The Rams have replaced Benny Cunningham with Dunbar, who, when healthy, can be a major pass-catching threat out of the backfield. As ESPN.com recently explained, the Rams want Dunbar to establish himself in a role similar to that of Chris Thompson, who totaled 84 receptions for new HC Sean McVay's offenses in Washington the past two seasons. That should mean fewer catches for starter Todd Gurley, who saw his targets rise from 26 in 2015 to 58 in 2016. Dunbar was supposed to be the Cowboys' change-of-pace running back last season, but he ended up touching the ball only 27 times (16 catches, nine carries, two kickoff returns) in 2016. He did score one touchdown, the first of his five-year career. While we should all keep our expectations in check for Dunbar, a role along the line of Thompson's in Washington would make Dunbar relevant as a cheap DFS play if the matchup is right. Beyond that, he's more an irritation to Gurley owners as things stand now.

Lance Dunbar 2016 Outlook

Dunbar returned to the Cowboys after briefly testing the free agent market in March. He got a one year deal worth $1.75 million. Dunbar made the rounds first, visiting San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago. While the Cowboys aren't sure when Dunbar will be ready to resume football activities after the torn ACL and MCL he suffered in October, they apparently feel comfortable enough to have him return. Still, there's a question of whether he will be ready for training camp. "Obviously Dunbar is a big question coming off a major surgery," Cowboys VP Stephen Jones said. "He was having a heck of a year before he was hurt. We still don't know exactly how long that's going to be. It's real questionable as to whether he's a PUP guy or what would he be?" Dunbar can be dynamic when healthy and in the coming weeks we need to watch for signs of his recovery. In the meantime, Darren McFadden, now joined by newcomer Alfred Morris and rookie Ezekiel Elliott, is more than capable of handling the third-down role Dunbar played before his injury last year.